Rest In Peace: Cartoonist Sudhir Tailang passes away

New Delhi: Well-known cartoonist Sudhir Tailang, who was suffering from a brain tumour, passed away on Saturday, his family said. He would have turned 56 on 26 February.

Tailang's daughter Aditi told IANS that he breathed his last at 12:30 pm. He would be cremated at 2 pm on Sunday at Lodhi road crematorium.

Sudhir Tailang. AFP

Tailang was under treatment for the last two years. He was in hospital for more than a month before he was brought home after doctors had given up all hope of his recovery.

Tailang, who was suffering from GBM-4 stage brain tumour, had undergone two surgeries and chemotherapy during the course of his treatment over two years, Aditi said.

He worked with almost all the well-known banners including Hindustan Times, Times of India and Indian Express. His last assignment was with the Asian Age.

Late prime minister Indira Gandhi was the first prey of Tailang's pen.

Thereafter, there was hardly any known personality in political world or other sphere of life who could escape his brush.

He was awarded Padma Shri in 2004 for his contribution to the art of cartooning.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi condoled his death. "Saddened at the untimely death of Tailang. His depiction of contemporary events through cartoons and fearless commitment to the right to artistic expression will be forever remembered," Gandhi said in her condolence message.

Several eminent personalities took to Twitter to mourn his demise:

Shocked to know about the demise of illustrious cartoonist #SudhirTailang. He will be remembered for his creativity. My Condolences. RIP